I had a great time visiting friends and family in Nashville while traveling, saw a wonderful soulful singer-songwriter, Jesse Alexander along with Carrie Rodriguez on the bill (love her electric mandolin; I'm getting one). Very fun, with my cousin Ward…

David Sale and I did Live with the Band on WVBR in Ithaca with Dan Cole. How fun. I played and sang and he played the new CD, "extended play," which is still in pre-release, but will soon be available…

What great songwriting and a performance by Eliza Gilkyson. Her lyrics and melodies are so lush with meaning. Also caught part of a set by the theatrical, Israeli band Golem, from NYC, and even learned a dance. Whoever it was…

Caught the Stax Records party, with Booker T. Cool. Waited, but got in, Wednesday, I think. And saw Jim Lauderdale (again for me, and for my friend, who is his biggest fan) at the Continential. Saw him to talk again…

At South by Southwest, sat in "A&R Before, During and After the Deal" listening to major label A&R guys, yeah, all guys. It is not an easy business. But I knew that. They get random demos sent to them, no…

I'm at the South by Southwest music conference, saw Pete Townshend speak -- and play as a guest of the Austin Music Awards, reacquainted myself with Tejano and Texas swing at the awards event and a bar, ate a taco…

The new project produced by David Sale, "extended play," went off to the printer/manufacturer Friday. I expect to have it in time for South by Southwest. Think there'll be a little tour south in April, then an Ithaca release in…

Saw Rani Arbo and band open for Jerry Douglas Saturday at the State Theatre in Ithaca. She was charming; sweet band, all singers, bluegrass, gospel. I love her voice. Jerry Douglas and his band -- oh so tight, such pros…

There might be a few other blogs at my myspace profile, www.myspace.com/LindaStout. I am not regular. I used to get paid to write reviews...Well, I still have an amazing flexible dayjob as a reporter. I realize that songwriting, questioning every…

It was not just doing myspace listening last night. I went out to the Haunt, not far from my little house in Ithaca and heard Sometymes Why, 3 terribly talented women known for their other bands, Crooked Still, the Mammals…